Budget: Determine your budget for buying a car, including not just the purchase price but also ongoing expenses like insurance, maintenance, fuel, and taxes.
Needs vs. Wants: Identify your needs in a car, such as size, fuel efficiency, seating capacity, cargo space, safety features, and technology, and prioritize them over optional features you may want.
Research: Research different car models, brands, and trims to find ones that meet your criteria. Consider factors like reliability, safety ratings, fuel economy from others.
Financing: Explore financing options, such as loans from banks, credit unions, or dealership financing, and get pre-approved to know your budget and interest rates before shopping.
Test Drive: Schedule test drives of cars you're interested in to evaluate their performance, comfort, handling, visibility, and features firsthand before making a decision.
Vehicle History: If buying a used car, obtain a vehicle history report using the VIN to check for previous accidents, title issues, service records, and ownership history.
Negotiation: Be prepared to negotiate the price, terms, and extras with the seller or dealership. Use research, market trends, and comparable listings to negotiate a fair deal.